On the 13th of March 2024, our regional partners from Slovakia hosted the event “Youth as Transformative Change” as a satellite event of the Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival, which was dedicated to empowering youth and driving transformative change in European regions.

The festival attracted about 150 participants and aimed at informing and inspiring them to adopt sustainable (circular bioeconomy) habits, raise interest in bioeconomy careers, and activate them, e.g., to start their initiatives, participate in community actions, policies, etc.

The event’s agenda included a discussion with policymakers, in which Mr. Šucha, former Director-General of JRC, Mr. Hegyi, assistant to a Member of the European Parliament, and Ms. Dana Peškovičová, representing the BIOEAST initiative, participated. The discussion centred on the EU-level policymaking process, focusing on environmental issues, opportunities for Member States to influence these policies, and methods to engage (young) individuals.

Additionally, as part of the TEDx talk, young professionals presented various career opportunities in the bioeconomy. Notably, a representative from the Banská Bystrica self-government region, affiliated with the development agency of the region, introduced an initiative aimed at fostering bioeconomy development in the area.

 A dedicated workshop was focused on business opportunities in the bioeconomy. Speakers outlined the various forms of support available to (start-up) entrepreneurs at both EU and Slovak levels. Established entrepreneurs discussed opportunities and challenges facing young people, while R&D representatives showcased ongoing research activities.

The event also included specific activities for children to raise awareness about the bioeconomy, foster sustainable habits utilising bioeconomy principles, and spark their entrepreneurial spirit!

Stay tuned for more ROBIN regional support actions!